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Alec Burks returns to Jazz on Monday vs. Kings

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The Utah Jazz will have their starting lineup back intact on Monday night when they take on the Sacramento Kings.

After a two-game absence due to shoulder inflammation, swingman Alec Burks will make his return, somewhat ahead of schedule. Originally ruled out for two games, Burks' status was then updated to indicate a multi-week absence, later being adjusted to a shorter timeline once again.

That doesn't mean Burks is in the clear though. The Jazz had feared Burks would need surgery after being on the receiving end of an Arron Afflalo flagrant foul on Dec. 2, and that's probably going to be a reality at some point. Now pain-free, Burks will try to avoid surgery on his long-troublesome shoulder until the offseason.

Rodney Hood played well in Burks' two-game absence but will return to a bench role Monday. In 18 games - all starts - Burks is averaging 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and three assists, and though he's shot poorly, the Jazz have been 1.2 points per-100 possessions better with him on the floor.

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